Dear Riya

I’ve been subscribing to Suleika Jaouad’s Isolation Journals. Every day, you get a creative writing prompt in your inbox, open to your own interpretation and expression. Although I haven’t been following the prompts each day, it’s helped surface new ideas and feelings and makes me want to write. Today, I’m sharing the prompt from Day 14: “In the voice of someone who loves you.”

Write a love note to yourself. Start with the line: Dear [your name], If you could see what I see, you’d see that you are...

Dear Riya,

If you could see what I see, you would see that you are a force of nature. You are grounded in your values and relentless in your pursuit of what’s fair. Your definition of what’s fair is constantly evolving, as you grow and learn more about yourself and the world around you.

You are reactive and adapt to your environment. I can see you struggling to find balance between being self-less and losing yourself entirely. I don’t want you to lose yourself completely.

It’s okay to get lost in someone else’s story and feel what they feel. I’m glad to see you stand up for what you believe is right, regardless of the consequences. I love that you can’t hide your expressions to save your life. Every emotion is translated on your face, and it reads like a map to those who are paying attention. I love that you try to build community everywhere you go, and that you genuinely love people.

I know you’re more guarded these days, but I hope you don’t close yourself off and become jaded. Stick to your convictions and remember that you are a force of nature - one that’s still uncovering her purpose.

With love,

Riya